A unanimous Aug. 20 vote approved Jackson County’s majority plan using Western Carolina University’s Health and Human Sciences building and added the Cullowhee Recreation Center, restoring two early voting sites in Cullowhee.
The board backed the hybrid setup after months of dispute over whether Cullowhee should have one site or two following the March primary, when an on-campus location closed and the county moved toward a four-site plan.
State members said the HHS site preserves student access and could help avoid turnout declines and congestion elsewhere, while the recreation center had supporters who argued it is more familiar and easier to access.
Jackson County elections officials warned that returning to five countywide sites will strain staffing and budgets, though they said the November general election plan can still be carried out.
The debate also drew scrutiny over pressure allegations involving former state auditor elections liaison Dallas Woodhouse, with one board member again calling for an investigation.